After departing The Guthries to embark on a solo career, Mays released his self-titled debut which maintained the rootsy, laid-back feel of his earlier work but also had a decidedly more rock vibe. The solo debut caused quite a stir across Canada and went on to be nominated to two Juno Awards (New Artist & Adult Alternative Album).
Mays followed this up with the first Matt Mays & El Torpedo album, recorded with the live band he had formed to tour in support of the Matt Mays album. Matt Mays & El Torpedo had quickly evolved into one of Canada’s best live acts. Produced with Grammy Award-winner Don Smith (Tom Petty, Keith Richards), the album’s first single “Cocaine Cowgirl” was a massive hit and the album went on to win four East Coast Music Awards in 2006. The band began working in the US as well, the highlight of which was an appearance on the Conan O’Brien show.
Just when everyone had him tagged as a Tom Petty inspired rock and roller Mays veered off in another direction, producing the music for ill-fated When the Angels Make Contact film. While it confounded many fans the album was a critical success and went on to be nominated for another Juno in the Adult Alternative Album of the Year category. Matt put together an eight piece band to tour the music and visuals from When The Angels Make Contact.
2008 saw the return of El Torpedo and the Terminal Romance album. Produced in the UK with producer Chris Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Anvil) the album features the singles “Tall Trees”, “Building A Boat”, and the epic title track. Terminal Romance won the ECMA for Rock Album of the Year in 2008 and was nominated for a Juno in the same category.
Mays is back in solo mode now, working on material when not on the road with a new band performing material from all four albums.
The Past
Matt Mays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Figure out what you don't understand
A billion leaves fly when the wind blows your mind
Bring back the times we had
And another song that makes you feel sad
Let the cold fall breeze clear out your mind
Realize the past is gone
And keepin' on
A murder of crows on your lawn
creeping in your mind and haunting your soul
Weird sounds seep throughout
This old house that creeps you out
A million crows fly when the wind blows your mind
Even though their life is gone
They keep on keepin' on
Woodstone lights in the air
Hotter than the devil's stare
The floor creeks when the ghost goes walking on by
Sundown across the land
Figure out what you don't understand
A billion leaves fly when the wind blows your mind
Even though their life is gone,
They keep on keepin' on
Matt Mays's song, The Past, is a melancholic ballad with beautiful imagery and a contemplative tone. The song features an unusual mix of themes that span from the natural world to the supernatural world. In the first verse, the song sets the scene with the line "Sundown across the land." The singer urges the listener to understand what they don't understand, encouraging them to seek knowledge and clarity in their lives. The line "A billion leaves fly when the wind blows your mind" paints a vivid picture of leaves being carried away by the wind, symbolizing the chaos of one's thoughts and emotions. The chorus of the song reinforces the message of the song, reminding the listener to keep moving forward and realizing that the past is gone.
The second verse features a more supernatural theme, introducing the image of "a murder of crows" on a lawn, creeping into one's mind and haunting their soul. The song continues to describe "weird sounds" seeping through an old house that "creeps you out." The haunting imagery is contrasted by the line "Even though their life is gone, they keep on keepin' on," which suggests that even spirits or memories continue to exist in some way, motivating the listener to also continue moving forward despite hardships.
The last verse returns to more natural imagery, describing the "Woodstone lights in the air" as being "Hotter than the devil's stare." This final image speaks to the intense energy and passion of life, despite the fleeting nature of existence. The song concludes with the final reminder that "Even though their life is gone, they keep on keepin' on."
Line by Line Meaning
Sundown across the land
As the sun sets across the world, it marks the end of another day.
Figure out what you don't understand
Reflect and discover what confuses you.
A billion leaves fly when the wind blows your mind
A plethora of thoughts and ideas race through your mind whenever you let your guard down.
Bring back the times we had
Remember and reminisce about past memories and experiences.
And another song that makes you feel sad
Listen to music that elicits strong emotions, like sorrow or heartbreak.
Let the cold fall breeze clear out your mind
Allow the brisk autumn air to refresh and rejuvenate one's mind.
Realize the past is gone
Recognize that one cannot change events that have already occurred.
And keepin' on
Continue living life, even amidst adversity and hardship.
Just when you thought your fear was gone
When you least expect it, fear can resurface within you.
A murder of crows on your lawn
A flock of crows congregating on your lawn, potentially causing unease or fear.
Creeping in your mind and haunting your soul
Intruding thoughts or emotions that cause discomfort and linger in one's mind and spirit.
Weird sounds seep throughout
Strange and unsettling noise permeates the ambiance.
This old house that creeps you out
The eerie and unsettling feeling invoked by an old and unfamiliar house.
A million crows fly when the wind blows your mind
The sudden influx of miscellaneous and overwhelming thoughts in one's mind can be compared to thousands of crows taking flight.
Even though their life is gone
Despite death, existence and preservation persists.
They keep on keepin' on
Life and living continue, even in the face of adversity or tragedy.
Woodstone lights in the air
The flicker of light that bounces off quartz in the air or surroundings, giving it an ethereal, mystical quality.
Hotter than the devil's stare
A temperature that is intense, scorching, and unforgiving.
The floor creeks when the ghost goes walking on by
A creepy or supernatural atmosphere created when the sound of creaking floorboards occurring when no one is around.
Sundown across the land
Another day comes to an end as the sun sets across the world.
Figure out what you don't understand
Take time to assess and comprehend aspects of life that may be confusing or difficult.
A billion leaves fly when the wind blows your mind
A deluge of thoughts race through your mind when you least expect it.
Even though their life is gone,
Despite death, things continue on as normal.
They keep on keepin' on
Existence continues, despite everything else.
Contributed by Gavin T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
superfungus947
Take a toke, a sip, or whatever you prefer, put on your headphones, and close your eyes. Let your eyes roll into the back of your head, and give this album a good listening to. Thank me later.
CJorundson
Beers, lake front seating, and Matt Mays playing on the stereo...... chillin'